New tools help youth discover place in mining By The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)
C
anada’s mining industry is once more facing skills shortages stemming from high retirement levels,
industry growth, skills gaps and a lack of interest in mining-related careers among youth. The Mining Industry Human Resource Council (MiHR) created the We Need Mining. Mining Needs You. career
equity, diversity, and inclusion; and
Linked to the career profiles is a new
how extracted minerals and metals
Interactive World of Mining Careers
are used in everyday life.
that allows users to visually explore
The site boasts new features that help youth see the industry as an innovative, challenging and rewarding
a metaphorical representation of six different mine work environments and the occupations within each area.
career choice.
Website visitors can also see where
A suite of more than 50 career
taking the new Interactive Career
profiles have been updated to
they might fit in the industry by Quiz. By building a profile and
awareness campaign – anchored by
include up-to-date information on
answering questions, users can
the MiningNeedsYou.ca website – as
job responsibilities, salary ranges,
explore matching careers. Career
a direct response to these challenges
and education requirements.
options automatically update as
in early 2021. The site enables youth
Six new occupations were also
career interests and skills are added
to discover what modern mining looks
added to showcase the variety of
or removed from their profile, and
like, its necessity to a low-carbon
positions available in the industry:
a career pathway presents how job
economy, and how they can help
environmental consultant; equity,
seekers can advance a career in
Canada be the world leader in safe,
diversity, and inclusion specialist;
mining.
sustainable mining. It showcases
Indigenous relations superintendent;
the innovative technologies used in
instrumentation technician; internet
the sector; industry commitment
of things technology specialist; and
to environmental sustainability and
robotic welder operator.
In connection with the career awareness campaign and in support of future mining talent, the fiveyear I Chose Mining. Mining Chose Me. Scholarship Program launched in 2021 to celebrate MiHR’s 25th anniversary. It is awarding 10 $2,500 scholarships to post-secondary students in mining-related programs between 2021 and 2025. The first two recipients, Jimmy Ding, studying geological engineering in mining at the University of Saskatchewan, and Chantelle Delaney, studying process engineering at Memorial University, were selected for their hard work and interest in the sector. The deadline to apply for the 2022 scholarships is September 30, 2022. Gearing Up, MiHR’s flagship career
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